Young learnership graduate in charge of her own future

Just over a year ago, the high financial costs of tertiary education almost crashed Tshepiso Baloyi’s aspirations for getting that dream job. But after completing her learnership, Tshepiso not only helps to support her family financially, but she is also permanently appointed on the Gautrain project.

“When I saw Gautrain learnerships being advertised, I first had to borrow money before I could afford to fax through my application,” says the 22-year-old Tshepiso who grew up in the North West. After writing a series of tests, Tshepiso’s application was successful and the started a Business Administration Learnership in July 2009 at Gautrain project partner company Bombardier.

“It was my first work experience and I was not going to waste any time. I was willing to do anything to get experience in the workplace. At first I mostly did filing and enquires. Later on, I was given the responsibility to do importing and exporting as well as procurement,” says Tshepiso

One of the proudest moments for Tshepiso was when she graduated from the learnership in June this year. Her family attended the event and celebrated Tshepiso’s achievement.

“I always used to wonder how I would ever adopt to the corporate world. I also used to be worried about getting an education and a job. But I have learnt never to give up, because when you give up hope you become depressed and then you stop trying.”

Tshepiso says she has also learnt to set a goal for herself. At the moment that goal is to develop herself professionally and to venture into corporate communication, public relations and events. And who knows? This may just be possible considering that Tshepiso once believed that getting a qualification is almost impossible.

A) CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION AND THE START OF PHASE 2 OPERATIONS On 02 August 2011 the second phase of the Gautrain System – the route linking Rosebank Station in Johannesburg to Hatfield Station in Tshwane – was opened for commercial service. This follows the initial launch of Gautrain services on 08 June 2010, just three days […]